Long-time vapors: if you started again today, what would you get?

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zeratul734

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I picked up 2x riva 510 batteries, a quick charger, and 5 boge 2.0 ohm cartomizers, all for under 40 bucks shipped. Are there any benefits I'm missing to picking up a kit, besides the inclusion of juice? (and i didn't like options most vendors had for the kit juices)

Also, long-time vapors, what would you recommend to first-timers that are interested in getting the most bang for their buck and aren't particularly concerned about aesthetics?
 

markfm

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You did well :)

That's an absolutely fine setup at a good price, nice starter configuration. It's pretty much what I recommend to anyone starting out who is price conscious and doesn't absolutely have to have a cig form factor. Pick up a spare battery and second charger in a month or so, that's all I'd do (these things do break, it happens, low price consumer electronics).

Longer term, it all depends on how things work for you. I picked up a passthrough early on, with 2A USB power supplies (for car and work). The Boge 2 ohm on a Riva was quite nice, but I knew that I liked higher power and found that sometimes I just wanted a different power for a given cartomizer/eliquid. After about 8 months I picked up my first variable voltage mod, have stayed with VV ever since. I know people who have been entirely happy with Riva 510, or KR808D-1, performance, have stayed with them long term; it really is a matter of individual preference over time.

Good luck!
 

zeratul734

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Looks like you did fairly well yourself.

I'm stuck with variable voltage mods myself, but I'm not sure that I'd recommend them to first-timers. I'd rather they just get started and discover what they would like more of and less of.

A riva is a pretty good starting point.

I had friends with 510 kits, and they all whine about battery life, and their carts all ended up in the trash along with the freebie juices. They all told me to forego carts and just pick up a cartomizer; plus they always lose those tiny things so i figured fat batteries would be a plus :p
 

Hoosier

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I had friends with 510 kits, and they all whine about battery life, and their carts all ended up in the trash along with the freebie juices. They all told me to forego carts and just pick up a cartomizer; plus they always lose those tiny things so i figured fat batteries would be a plus :p

I'm with you on the carts, but I have only been able to find one carto that I can stand, so I just drip.

Be sure to check out the Hoosier Vapors sub forum. We had our first meet-up this month and are trying to get another one scheduled. It's a great way to see, and maybe touch, some other stuff that folks are using.
 

Hoosier

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What's the cheapest way to get into VV? Also are there any good VV mods that are closer to the fat battery size, rather than the boxes?

Check out Variable Voltage Mods Discussion

The Lava Tube looks like the least expensive way to sample the VV thing, but it is not as durable as your Riva will probably be. (According to the posts I've seen.)
 

denali_41

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Nikkita6

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For a first time user my recommendation would a KR808D-1 basic starter kit .... easy to use, performs very well in terms of flavor and vapor production, and I love that it's closer to an analog.

However, my personal recommendation could or would change based on whatever the first time users needs and wants are. For someone who is on the go all day, with little time to re-charge batteries even with a PCC, then I would perhaps not recommend a KR8, and instead recommend a big batt type with longer battery life, for which there are several options.

Newbie's tend to get caught up in popular opinion, more so than taking the time to understand what their personal needs are, and making PV selections which best satisfy that need.
 

markfm

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For VV, I'd probably take a pass on an LT, go right to a notcigs Infinity Pro. The IP, first set of batts and charger, runs $115. Add a second pair of batts, use his "ECF Buzzkill" 7.5% coupon code, and you should get it delivered at $120.

I could well be wrong, but thought the lt, with two batteries and charger, ended up near $100. For $20 more the IP gives you true voltage regulation (doesn't drop as the batteries discharge), a tested controller circuit (also used in the BP), higher total power capability, a well-built PV from a good US manufacturer. If the LCD is a biggie, then LT is much cheaper than, say, a Provari, but otherwise the IP is solid.
 

tj99959

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    Originally Posted by zeratul734

    What's the cheapest way to get into VV? Also are there any good VV mods that are closer to the fat battery size, rather than the boxes?

    Build your own. My first VV mod cost about $15.

    However, if VV mods were the end-all to vaping, why am I enjoying sitting here vaping this 3.7v carto pipe so much?

    What I find missing so far in this conversation is the fact that the mod, VV or not, is only 1/3 of the equation. The atty/carto, and the juice you choose to put in them deserve equal consideration.
     
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    markfm

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    VVPV will be my first real use of atties, as I've stayed with cartos so far. Picked up a couple of Ikenvape IO6s, will have to mod things (drill out IO6 DT for the feeder, or make a DT adapter to use what Buzz sends).

    Totally agree -- VVPV isn't what I'd suggest for a new person to buy :)
     
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